Cebu booters crush Forza, climb to solo third in UFL

MANILA, Philippines - Cebu Queen City United FC went on a scoring spree in the second half to turn back Forza FC, 6-1, and seize solo third place in the Second Division of the United Football League at the Rizal Memorial pitch.

Up by just a goal 2-1 early in the second half, Dan Villarico and Marion Rey Cubelo came through with a goal apiece late in regulation to put Forza FC away. Jaymile Conmigo and Jan Michael Flores capped the win with injury time goals.

The win sent Cebu from fourth place to solo third spot with 16 points on five victories and a draw against two defeats as it overtook an idle Agila FC side, which fell to No. 4 with 15 points on five triumphs against three losses.

The Forza booters fell in a two-way tie at seventh spot alongside Laos FC with nine points on three wins against five setbacks.

Playing under 30-degree Celsius, Cebu Queen City United’s Rene Menchavez Jr. opened up the scoring as he uncorked a well-placed header off a nifty cross from Benedict Arriola on the 20th minute to give his team a 1-0 lead they nurtured up to halftime.

Rommel Cuizon struck hard after the break and picked up a rebound off a Forza goalie Henderson Campo’s block of Benedict Arriola’s attempt and blasted away with a rocket goal to make it 2-0.

Isaac Agyee converted on a penalty kick to close the gap, 1-2, on the 57th minute.

But it turned out to be Forza’s last show of force as Cebu tightened its defense and unleashed a more aggressive attack that netted four goals the rest of the way to seal it.